Paper making



March 13; 1928.

C. N. MERRILL PAPER MAKING Filed Sept. 25, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jiivenior.

be a y Patented Mar. 13, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES NEAL MERRILL, OF MILLINOCKET, MAINE, ASSIGNOB TO GREAT N OB'IHERN PAPER COMPANY, OF MILLINOCKET, MAINE, A CORPORATION 01 MAINE.

PAPER MAKING.

Application filed September 23, 1925. Serial No. 58,188.

This invention relates to paper making and has particular reference to automatic means for maintaining the continuity of the paper sheet in the paper making machine 5 when breaks or tears form in the sheet.

The actual production of a Fourdrinier machine is much less than the calculated production assuming continuous operation during working hours. This deficiency is principally due to the cessation of production when the sheet breaks as it passes through the machine. A break usually starts at one side of the sheet and, wherever it starts, it travels across the sheet, making ordinarily a diagonal or V-shaped tear which, unless stopped in some manner, will sever the sheet. If the paper sheet is broken entirely across, it is necessary to re-thread a narrow stri called a lead stri through the machine rom the paper ma ing wire,

wh ch-operation necessarily takes a substantial amount of time. In the aggregate, the loss of production thus occasioned is'serious. If, however, when a break occurs in the served unbroken and the strip thus left continues to pass through the machine, all thetime required to re-thread the strip through the machine will be saved and after the cause and result of the break has been remedied, the lead stri can be widened out to the full width of t e sheet in the usual way. 1

- It is an object of this invention to provide a paper making machine with means to prevent the complete severance of the paper sheet when a break occurs therein.

A further object is to provide means to terminate the break before it traverses the entire width of the sheet.

A yet further object of the invention is the provision of means to maintain the continuity of the sheet in the machine when a break ,forms in the sheet and to cut the broken section out of the sheet.

A further object of the invention is generally to improve paper making machines and methods;

Under present practice when a break ocours in the paper sheet, the break travels eel-915$ and ce p h eve e the eet. at

zexpense of time and labor.

then returned sheet, a strip of the paper sheet can be preabout the point in the machine where the break starts. The machine tender is then required to draw the lead strip former, or squirt, which is, a nozzle, adapted to discharge a fine high-pressure stream of water through them er sheet, across the machine at and above t 1e paper'making wire from one side nearly to t e other, thus cutting ofi a portion of the sheet and forming a lead strip therein. The cut-off portion of the sheet is dropped through the floor and is returned to the heaters and the lead strip is re-threaded through the machine at serious The squirt is gradually across the paper sheet to its original'position, thus'broadem ing out the lead strip to the full width of the sheet.

In accordance with this invention means are provided at the paper-making wire to separate a narrow strip or strips from the remainder of the sheet by a. longitudinal space after the tear'starts and before the tear has progressed across the entire sheet. Whenthe tear reaches the longitudinal spape thus formed, the tear will stop, thus leaving the narrow stri which continues to pass through the mac ine. As soon as the cause and result of the break .have been remedied an the narrow strip is widened out in the usual manner until the full sheet is again formed, thereby entirely eliminating the previously necessary re-threading step.

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view' of that ortion of a Fourdrmier paper making mac ine with which. this invention is associated. p

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic side elevation of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of Fig. 2.

Figs. 4 and 5 are side and plan views respectively of a break-detector.

. Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation through. one of the squirts and illustrating its normal relation with the paper sheet at the Fourdrinier wire.

Fig. 7 is a detail illustrating a modified form of asquirt which may be used with this invention. I00

The paper making machine here shown comprises a, Fourdrinier wire 10 on which the paper is made, aplurality of. presses, 12, 14 and 16 and a drier 18.- 'lhe'wet paper sheet 20 passes in the usual manner from the wire to the felt 12*of the first press 12 and thence in succession to the remaining presses where some of .the water in the wet paper. sheet is pressed out; and the partially dry sheet passes, for thecomplete drying-thereof, to the drier 18 and about the drying rolls, ofwhich. two rolls 18 and 18 are here shown.

In accordance with this invention meansare provided to preserve the continuity of the paper sheet when a break occurs therein and to arrest the progress of the break so that a strip of the paper sheet is preserved intact -which, after the causes and results ofthe break have been remedied can be broadened out to regain the full width of the paper sheet, all withoutstopping the passage of the unbroken strip through the machine.

For this purpose, I provide means actuated by a break in the paper sheet to separate the sheet intotwo or more longitudinal sections orsstrips', which are separated from each other 'by a space or slot and are so arranged thatabreak in the paper sheet can travel across one of the sections into the slot,

I but the slot will'bea barrier to further progrcssof the brealrfi iind will prevent it from passing into the other section. One section or strip ofthe paper sheet will thereby be preserved and subsequently calf be broad- "ened out to the full width of the sheet.

' The paper separating, or strip-forming, means comprise one or more squirts which in- .cludeone or more nozzles normally disposed wire and wit in the margins o the paper sheet. Two nozzles 22 and'24 are here shown, wh ch'are disposed, when operated, to separate the sheet into three longitudinal sections a, band awhich are separated by slots d. The sections a and c,'which form lead strips, are relative] narrow and one or the.

other is adapted to l preserved intact when a break occurs in-.'the sheet and is subsequently enlarged to the full. width of the paper sheet, whereby to ca the full width of the sheet through themac ine. Said nozzles22 and 24 are supported above the paper making wire b'y means which permits the. nozzles to be moved in both directions entirely acrossthe sheet,

meaooo The construction of the nozzles and their Supporting means is identical and but one need be described. The nozzle 24 is provided with a small orifice 24 through which a fine jet of water is adapted to be forcibly discharged whereby to cut throu h the paper sheet. The nozzle is remova ly screwthreaded in a supporting block 26 which is slidable within a tubular holder 28, which holder is disposed above and transversely of the paper making wire and the paper sheet thereon. The bottom portion of the holder isformed with a longitudinal slot 30 therein through which said nozzle is loosely extended, and said slot serves to prevent undue movement of the nozzle outwardly beyond the edge of the sheet. A flexible water pipe or hose 32 is extended into the holder and is secured to said block 26 and is in communication with said nozzle through a passage 26 in said block. The pipes form means by which the nozzles may, be moved manually across and oil the paper sheet whereby to broaden out the lead strips. The nozzles are normally disposed above the sheet and adjacent the opposite edges of the aper sheet; but they may be set anywhere above the paper sheet and moved in either direction, when desired.

Said flexible pipes 32 are connected to a water supply pipe 34 which is in communication witha source of water under pressure; and the flow of water through said nozzles is controlled by an electro-magnetically operated valve 36 which is adapted normally to be closed and has a solenoid 37 for opening it and suitable means, not shown, for closing it when the solenoid is de-energized.

When the pa r sheet pames unbroken through the mac inc, no water is adapted to fiow through the nozzles 22 and 24. When,

however, a break occurs in the sheet, breakdetecting means are automatically actuated by the break to eflect the opening of said valve 36 and the operation of the squirts to separate the paper sheet into a plurality of longitudinal sections. ,above the pa r sheet at the pa r making The break-detectin means comprises an electric circuit-contro er having a weighted arm 38 which is pivotally-mounted on a rod 40 and is adapted-to bear upon and be supported by the unbroken moving sheet. Said arm is provided with a contact fin or 42 which is disposed below and in position to make electrical engagement with a contact rod 44, which rod is disposed in parallel relation with and is insulated from said rod 40. Said arm 38 is adapted normally to be supported by the paper sheet in raised position and with its contact finger 42 free from enga ement with said rod 44. Vhen. however, e paper is broken under said arm, the support of said arm is removed and the arm drops, thereby moving said contact finger and rod 44 into electrical engagement. This operation is arranged to close a control circuit 46 which includes the electromagnet of the valve 36 and a suitable source of energy, as the battery 50, and thereby to cause the squirts to operate.

Break detectors may be located at any point of the paper sheet at which a break is likely to occur, as between the paper-making wire and the driers or, as here shown, at the pass of the paper sheet between the first and second presses, and between the last press and the drier. Preferably a plurality of break-detectors are disposed in relatively close order on said rods 40 across the sheet so that a break causes the operation of one of said arms 38 soon after the break forms. Anyone, or all, of the arms 38 are adapted to effect the operation of the squirts.

, Under normal operation and, when "the paper sheet is passing through the machine unbroken, all of the arms 38 are supported in raised position by the sheet and, conseuently, t e valve 36 remains closed ,and t e squirts are inoperative. When, however,

a break occurs in the sheet, as between the paper-making wire and the first ress and at the edge of the paper'sheet ad acent the nozzle 22,- Fig. 3, the break will progress diagonally across the 'sheet .towards the otherside as the sheet travels through the first press.

-When the broken sheet passes beneath the arms 38 disposed between the first and second presses, one or more of said arms will drop whereby to o n the valve '36 and cause jets of water to fl w through the nozzles 22 and 24 and thereby sever the sheet into three separated strips a, b andc, these strips assing forwardly through the machine as t e break travels transversely across the sheet. The s dof travel of the sheet, however,is ord1narily greater than the speed of travel of, the tear across the sheet ,so that, under ordinary circum stances, the break will sooner or later reach the longitudinal slot formed in the lpaper sheet b the nozzle 24 and will thereby e stopped; hat portion of the paper sheet behind the tear will roll up on doctor 12 of the first press while the lead strip a formed .by the nozzle 24 will continue on through the remainder of the paper making machine thereby preserving the continuity of the paper'sheet. The machine tender may be warned of the break in the paper sheet by a suitable alarm 52, as a bell or lamp which is operated conjointly with the open-' ing of the water valve 36. The machine tend er will thereupon note which strips of the sheet are reserved, in this case, the lead strip 0 an after the cause of the break has removed, will move one of the nozzles "the nozzle 22 tocut 08 the lead strip a the same direction, across and off the paper sheet as otherwise one of the nozzles could continue to cut the, sheet and prevent the chine.

The assage of the full width of the paper sheet t rough the machines raises the arms 38 of the break detectors and thereby opens the circuit for the electro-magnetic valve 36 and stops the action of the squirts. The nozzles can thereupon be returned to their normal position.

A plurality of squirts is important; one

squirt 24' centrally placed with reference to the paper sheet as illustrated in Fig. 7,

and movable in both directions across the sheet might catch most breaks but two or more squirts are much better.

It is common to maintain a stream'of water constant-1y flowing from a squirt, usually, adjustable, against each edge of the sheet to keep a smooth edge. These edge squirts are not shown as they are not material. to this invention.

I claim:

1. The method of preserving the continuity of the. paper sheet in a pa r making machine, which consists in directmg streams .75 broadening of the sheet through the maof water downward on the paper making wire, when a break occurs in the sheet, so

asto form longitudinal sections in the moving paper sheet, one containing the break and another being free of the break, and passing the break-containing section to waste while continuing to pass a tree section through the machine,

2. The method of preserving the continuity of the paper sheet in a paper making "machine when a break occurs in the sheet, 7

which consists in directing streams of water downward on the papermaking wire so as to form longitudinal sections in the movln paper sheet, one containing the break an another beingv free of the break, and passing the break-containing section to waste while continuing to pass a free section throu h the machine, and subsequentl enlarging 0 free section to the full widt of the paper sheet.

3. The method of preserving the continuity of the paper sheet in papermaking machines when a break occurs 'in the sheet, which consists in directing streams of water onto the' sheet on the paper-making wire to separate the moving sheet behind the into longitudinal sections one of which is free of the break, and enlarging a free section to the full width of the paper sheet and severing the remainder from the sheet.

4. The method of preserving the continuity of the paper sheet in a paper making machine when a break occurs in the sheet, which consists in directing streams of water onto the paper on the papermaking wire so as to separate the-moving sheet behind the break into longitudinal sections one of which is free of the break and into ard across another of which the break may travel,and enlarging the free section to the full width of the pa er sheet and severing the remainder from t he sheet.

5. The method of preserving the continuity of the paper sheet in a pa er making machine, which consists in slotting the moving paper sheet longitudinally in the rear of the break and between the break and one side of the sheet when a break occurs in the sheet, whereby to form a barrier opposing the progress of the break.

e 6-. Themethod of preserving the continuity of the paper sheet in a paper making machine, which consists in slotting the moving paper sheet longitudinally in the rear of the break and between the break and one side of the sheet by directing streams of water onto the paper on the paper making wire when a break occurs in the sheet, whereby to I form barriers opposing the progress of the break. I

7 A paper making machinehaving means to preserve-the continuity of the paper sheet when a break occurs in the-sheet including means automatic ally operable b to slot the moving paper sheet tween the breakand one side of the sheet, whereby to arrest the progress of the break atthe slot, and means to extend the slot transversely across. the sheet to the other side thereof whereby to sever the broken section from the sheet and restore the sheet to its full width.,

8. A paper making machine having means to preserve thecontinuity of the paper sheet when a break occurs in the sheet including means to form slots in the moving pa r sheet so -as-to osition at least one slot tween the brea and one side of the sheet, whereby to atrest the progress of the break at the slot, and means to move the slottingv means transversely across the sheet to the other side thereof, whereby to sever the broken section from the sheet and restore th sheet to its full width.

9. A paper making machine having means to preserve the continuity of the paper sheet when a break occurs 'in the sheet including a Fourdrinier wire, means disposed at the wire to form slots in the moving aper sheet so as to position at least one ot between the break and one side of the sheet, whereby to arre t th pm of the break at the severance of the movin the break sheet to form two ongitudinal sections in the moving sheet, one of which is free from the break and into and entirely across the other of which the break may travel, and means to move said separating means across the break-containing section, whereby to sever it from the sheet and to enlarge the free section to the full width of the sheet.

11. In a paper making machine, means controlled by a break in the paper sheet, and break-stopping means rendered effective by the aforesaid means to limit the transverse extent of the break in the sheet.

12. In a paper making machine, means controlled by a break in the paper sheet, and break-stopping means rendered effective by the aforesaid means to prevent the complete sheet b the break. 13. In a paper making mac ine, means controlled by a break in the paper sheet, and break-stopping means rendered effective by the aforesaid means to form a lead strip in the sheet and to arrest the progress of the break at the lead strip.

14. In a paper making machine, means rendered efiectlve by a break in the moving paper sheet to form a lead strip in the sheet and to arrest the progress of the break at the lz'ifl strip, and means to sever the broken section from the movin sheet and to ex and the lead strip to the fu width of the s eet.

15. In a pa r making machine, means rendered effective by a break in the moving paper sheet to form a slot in the moving sheet between the break and one side of the sheet, whereby to arrest the. progress of the break at the slot, and means to extend the slot across the sheet in a direction to widen the unbroken full width of t e sheet.

16. In a paper making machine, a paper cutter disposed above the moving paper sheet in position to form a longitudinal slot and two longitudinal sections therein, and means rendered effective by a break in the moving paper sheet toeflect the operation of said! critter. k

1 n a paper ma in machine a a r cutter disposed above he moviri gag; sheet in ition to form a lon 'tu 11181 slot and two ongitudinal sections t erein,means rendered eflective by a break in the movin paper sheet to effect the operation of sai rtion of the sheet to the I sheet in position to form a lon 'tudinal slot cutter, and means to move the paper cutter across one of said sections whereby to sever it from the sheet and to enlarge the remaining section to the full width of the paper sheet.

' 19. In a paper makin machine, a nozzle arranged in position to irect a jet of water through the moving paper sheet, whereby to separate it into two longitudinal sections, and means rendered effective by a break in the paper sheet to admit water to said nozzle.

20. In a paper makin machine, a nozzle arranged in position to irect a jet of water through the movingpaper sheet, whereby to separate it into two longitudinal sections, means rendered effective by a break in the paper sheet-to admit water to said nozzle, and means to move said nozzle transversely of the papersheet.

21. In a paper makin machine, a nozzle arranged in position ,to irect ajetof water through the moving paper sheet, whereby to separate it'into two longitudinal sections, means rendered effective by a break in the paper sheet to admit water to said nozzle, and means to move said nozzle across one of said longitudinal sections whereby to sever said section from the sheet and enlarge the remaining section to the full width o'f'the sheet.

22. In a paper making machine, a water squirt disposed above the paper sheet and normally within the margin and adjacent one edge thereof, and means rendered effective by a break in the moving pa er sheet to operate said squirt to sever the s set into V two longitudinal sections.

.23. In a pager making machine, a water squirt dispose above the paper sheet and normally within the margin and ad'acent one edge thereof, means rendered e ectiveby a break in the moving paper sheet to operate said squirt to sever the sheet into two 1011 'tudinal sections, and means to move sai squirt across the paper sheet at least to the other edge thereof, whereby to sever one of said longitudinal sections from thesheet.

24. In a, paper making machine, a water squirt normally disposed above the paper sheet, and means rendered efl'ective by a break in the moving paper sheet to admit water to the squirt, whereby to cause itto' operate to separate the moving paper sheet into two longitudinal sections.

25. In a paper making machine, two water squirts normally disposed above the paper sheet, adjacent the opposite mar us thereof, and means rendere eifective y a break in the moving paper sheet to admit water to said squirts whereby to separate the moving sheet into three longitudinal sections.

26. In a paper making machine, two water squirts normally disposed above the paper sheet adjacent the; opposite margins thereof, means to admit water thereto whereby to separate the moving sheet into three longitudinal sections, and means to move the squirts transversely across the sections.

27. In a paper making machine, two water squirts normally disposed above the paper sheet adjacent the opposite margins thereof, means to admit water thereto whereby to separate the moving sheet into three longitudinal sections, and means to move the squirts entirely across the paper sheet from their normal position.

28. In a paper making machine, two water squirts normally disposed above the paper sheet adjacent the opposite margins thereof, means to admit water thereto whereby to separate the moving sheet into three longitudinal sections, and means to move each squirt across the paper sheet from its normal position, whereby to sever two of said three longitudinal sections from the paper sheet.

29. In a paper making machine, two water squirts normally disposed above the paper sheet adjacent the opposite margins thereof, means to admit water thereto whereby to separate the moving sheet into three longitudinal sections, and means to move said squirts independently and in either direction across the paper sheet.

30. In a paper making machine, means to separate the moving paper sheet into a plurality of longitudinal sections, and electrically-actuated means to govern the operation of said separating means.

31. In a paper making machine, electrically-controlled means to separate the moving paper sheet into a plurality of longitudinal sections, and means including an electrio circuit-controller operated by a break in the paper sheet to effect the operation of said separating means.

32. In a paper making machine, electrically-controlled means to se arate the moving paper sheet into a plurality of longitudina sections, and means to control said separating means including a plurality of electric circuit-controllers disposed transversely of the pa er sheet in position to be actuated by a brea in the pa er sheet.

includingranged to move into position to eflect the control of said valve when the support of the sheet is removed.

-34.- In a-paper making machine, electrically-controlled means to separate the moving paper sheet into a plurality of longitudinal sections, and means to govern the operation of'said separating means including an electric circuit controller having a member thereof arranged to be supported in an ino erative position by the unbroken sheet an to move to an operative position when the support of the sheet is removed.

35. In a paper making machine, electrically-controlled means to separate the moving paper sheet into a plurality of longitudinal sections, and means to govern. the operation of said separating means including a plurality of electric circuit controllers disposed transversely above the paper sheet and each having a member thereof arranged to be supported in an inoperative position by the unbroken sheet and to move to an operative position when the support of the sheet is removed. 36. In a paper making machine, electrically-contro led means to separate the moving paper sheet into a plurality of longitudinal' sections, and means to govern the operation of said separating means including a plurality of electric circuit controllers disposed transversely above the paper sheet, one or more of which are arranged to be operated by a break in the paper sheet,

37. In a paper making machine, means to se arate the moving paper sheet into a plura ity of longitudinal sections, and means to' operate said separatin means including a break-detector dis ose in position to. be actuated by a brea in the paper sheet.

I 38. In a paper making machine, means to se arate the moving paper sheet into a plur'a' ity of longitudinal sections, and means to operate said se arating meansincluding a pluralit of brea -detectors disposed transversely o the pa er sheet, one or more of which are adapte to be operated by a break in the sheet. I

39. In a paper making machine, a break detector disposed in position to be actuated by a break in the paper sheet, and an alarm device actuated by said break-detector.

40. In a paper making machine, a paper making wire, a drier, means disposed at the paper making wireto separate the movin paper sheet into a plurality of longitudina sections, and means disposed at the pass of the paper sheet between the wire and drier and operated by a breakin thepaper sheet to actuate said separating means.

41. In a paper making machine, a papermaking wire, a drier, means disposed at the paper making wire tolseparate'the mov n lpaper sheet into a plurahty of longitudin sect1ons, means disposed at the pass of the in an inoperative osition by the paper sheet and arranged to all into an operative position when'a break in the paper sheet is beneath said arm, 1

43. In combination with a paper making machine, means controlled by a break in the paper sheet passing through the machine, and brake-stopping means caused to 0 rate by the aforesaid means to separate ongitudinally an unbroken strip of the paper sheet from the broken portion'without stop- ;ping the passage of the unbroken strip through the machine.

44. In combination with apaper making machine, means caused to operate by a brea of the paper sheet passing through the machine to separate longitudinally'an unbroken strip of the paper sheet from the broken portion without stopping the passa of the unbroken strip through the machine, and means to enlarge the unbroken portion to the full width of the paper sheet.

45. In combination with a paper making machine, a plurality of nuts arran above the paper making wire and having connection with a water supply under pressure, a valve for controllin the flow of water from said supply to said squirt, means for openin said valve rapidly when the aper sheet reaks so that a stream of water rom said squirt shall sepfiate the paper sheet into lon 'tudinal strips, and means for moving said squirts crosswise with relation to the movement of the sheet.

46. In combination with a paper making machine, a squirt arranged above the pa r making wire and having connection wit a water supply under pressure, a valve for controlling the flow of water from said su ply to said squirt means for opening sai valve rapidly when the pa r sheet breaks so that a stream of water rom said squirt shall separate the paper sheet into longitudinal strips, and means for drawing and squirt crosswise with relation to the movement of the paper sheet so as to broaden out to the full w1dth of the paper sheet either of the strips which has been separated stream of water. i

4']. In a paper making machine, two water squirts 'normall disposed above the paper sheetadjacent t e opposite margins thereof, means to admit water theretoto cut the sheet by said into three longitudinal sections, and means front of said squirts to Edmit water to said to move the squirts across the aper. squirts, andmeans to move the squirts in 48. In a paper making machlne, two water the same direction across the paper. 10

sqiiirts normally disposed above the paper In testimony whereof, I have signed my 5 sheet on the paper making wire and ad acent name to this specification.

the opposite margins of the sheet, means rei 4 ,sponsive to a break in the paper sheet in CHARLES NEAL MERRILL. 

